Beau Bennett didn't know when management's decision would have to be made, and he certainly wasn't privy to what it would be.

But, after the Penguins' game-day skate Saturday at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Bennett said he wouldn't second-guess anything the front office did to clear a spot on the 23-man roster for Evgeni Malkin when he was ready to return from a concussion.

Even if that meant sending Bennett back to their American Hockey League affiliate in Wilkes-Barre.

It turned out that Malkin, who missed four games with his injury, rejoined the lineup for the 4-3 victory Monday against Tampa Bay, which was earlier than anyone had seemed to expect.

That compelled general manager Ray Shero to make a couple of moves, rather than just one.

Although winger Zach Boychuk was placed on waivers to open a long-term spot, he remained on the 23-man roster until being claimed Tuesday by Nashville.

Someone still had to be pared from the roster immediately so that Malkin could dress for the Tampa Bay game. Bennett was a logical choice, since he and defenseman Simon Despres are the only players on the major league roster who don't have to pass through waivers to join the Baby Penguins.

Sending Bennett to Wilkes-Barre was an obvious move, but it was clear immediately that it wouldn't be a permanent one, either